Inspector Avinash Season 1 Review : Randeep Hooda delivers a stellar performance in this gripping and authentic crime thriller

Story: Inspired by the exploits and life of UP supercop Avinash Mishra, the series "Inspector Avinash" delves into the relentless efforts of the UP Special Task Force as they combat the criminals of the state. The show unravels the challenges and obstacles faced by Avinash Mishra in his unwavering mission to rid the state of crime and restore peace.

Review: In 'Inspector Avinash', we are introduced to a cop whose strong religious beliefs coexist with his flawed behaviour. He often arrives at crime scenes under the influence of alcohol, displays a willingness to offer money to the wife of a slain criminal, and never thinks twice before pumping bullets into a criminal’s body. The series offers a thrilling narrative that depicts the reality of the crime scene in Uttar Pradesh, albeit with a glossy touch. It effectively captures the essence of the region while embracing the rough edges of its central character, resulting in an engaging viewing experience. The story unfolds through flashbacks, as Avinash (Randeep Hooda) finds himself implicated in the encounter of three young men. Inspired by the format of direct address to the camera popularized by Ian Richardson and Kevin Spacey in 'House of Cards', the series effectively utilizes this technique to immerse the audience in Avinash's world.

The series unfolds in 1997, a time when the state of Uttar Pradesh was plagued by the notorious gangster Shri Prakash Shukla. Frustrated with his criminal reign, the UP government, upon the recommendation of DGP Samar Pratap Singh (Zakir Hussain), authorized the establishment of a Special Task Force dedicated to eradicating the criminal menace. Inspector Avinash, alongside a team of skilled police officers, embarks on a meticulously planned and researched mission to eliminate criminals. The initial focus of their operation revolves around apprehending the individuals responsible for planting a bomb in the holy city of Ayodhya. In the second episode, the series delves into the thrilling encounter of the dreaded gangster Bittu Chaubey (Resh Lamba), in addition to investigating the murder of MLA Kiran Kaushik, which unravels connections to another influential MLA, Jagjivan Yadav (Rahul Mittra). The series presents these events with clinical precision, showcasing the Task Force's methodical approach in dismantling criminal networks one by one.

Based on the two episodes released on the streaming platform, 'Inspector Avinash' adopts a format where each episode focuses on a specific event, while a few episodes run concurrently to depict a larger narrative. However, the series also excels in portraying the humane side of the STF members, which serves as another achievement. These officers, dressed in plain clothes, carry out their duties with a clinical approach. While some creative liberties have been taken, they do not hamper the authenticity of the events portrayed in the series.

'Inspector Avinash' is a gripping action thriller series that revolves entirely around the captivating performance of Randeep Hooda, who dominates virtually every scene. His portrayal of UP supercop Avinash Mishra is nothing short of fantastic, and one of the standout factors is his mastery of the UP dialect, which adds authenticity to the story rooted in the hinterland of Uttar Pradesh. Just a few months ago, we witnessed Hooda in a subdued role in “CAT,” but in this series, he unleashes his full potential. Zakir Hussain, playing the role of DGP Samar Pratap Singh, Avinash's boss, delivers an extremely natural performance, even though his screen time is limited. His presence adds another layer of intrigue and elevates the series. The conclusion of the second episode introduces Abhimanyu Singh, hinting at the escalation of events in the forthcoming episodes, promising to intensify the already gripping narrative. Ahlawat (Rajneesh Duggal) and Rathi (Pravin Sisodia) as alert members of the STF succeed in leaving a mark.

While the first two episodes of 'Inspector Avinash' offer a satisfactory experience, it is crucial for the subsequent episodes to delve deeper into the background stories behind the encounters. The initial episodes have only skimmed through these narratives, and it is hoped that the series will provide a well-defined rounded plot and proper background context to all the encounter stories. To truly engage the audience, it is important to explore the motivations and circumstances surrounding these events. "Inspector Avinash" successfully captures the gritty atmosphere of late 90s Uttar Pradesh, contributing to its overall authenticity.